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Search Intensifies for American Pastor Kidnapped in South Africa
Manhunt Continues for Kidnapped American Missionary in South Africa
The search persisted on Tuesday for Josh Sullivan, a 35-year-old American pastor from Tennessee, who was abducted at gunpoint in South Africa last week. Sullivan, a missionary serving in the region, was taken captive, prompting an intensive investigation by South African authorities and appeals for his safe return.
Missionary Serving in South Africa Since 2018
Reports indicate that Josh Sullivan had been residing in South Africa with his wife, Meagan, and their children since 2018. According to the Fellowship Baptist Church blog, Sullivan has been dedicated to missionary work in the region for several years.
Armed Abduction During Prayer Service
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when a group of armed individuals raided Sullivan’s congregation, a branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church located in Motherwell, a town in southern South Africa. Local police reports indicate that the armed men stormed the church during a prayer service led by Sullivan.
Police Investigate Kidnapping of American Pastor
Captain Andre Beetge, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service, confirmed that Pastor Sullivan was seized and forced into his own vehicle. The truck was later discovered abandoned in the vicinity. Beetge did not immediately provide further comments when contacted by news outlets.
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Hawks Unit Leads Investigation for Safe Return
Hawks, the specialized unit within the South African Police Service responsible for investigating serious and organized crime, affirmed to news sources on Tuesday that they are actively investigating Sullivan’s abduction.
In a public statement, Hawks emphasized that their “top priority at this stage is the safe return of the victim.” They urged individuals with any information pertaining to the case to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Family and State Department Respond to Kidnapping
The State Department issued a statement on Friday acknowledging awareness of reports concerning the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in South Africa.
As of Tuesday, Josh Sullivan’s location remained unknown. His family has issued a heartfelt plea for prayers, imploring for his safe return from his captors.
Mother Expresses Heartbreak and Plea for Prayers
Tonya Rinker, a woman from Maryville, Tennessee, identifying herself as Sullivan’s mother on her Facebook page, conveyed her anguish in a post requesting prayers for her son and family. The authenticity of the social media post has been verified by news organizations.
“My heart is breaking,” she wrote, “please continue to pray for my son, daughter-in-law, grandkids and our family. They found his van abandoned but Joshua was kidnapped. I know he’s doing God’s work, and I also know he wouldn’t change that.”
In another online message, she described Sullivan as “my amazing, hilariously funny, charmingly witty, God-fearing, God-loving, God-called, God-serving, wonderful son.” She also clarified his age, stating that he is 35 years old, correcting earlier reports suggesting he was 45. Rinker did not immediately respond to requests for further comments.
Fellowship Baptist Church Seeks Prayers for Kidnapped Pastor
The Fellowship Baptist Church, based in Tennessee, released a statement on Facebook last Thursday, urging its followers to “please pray for Josh Sullivan.” The church confirmed that he had been “kidnapped at gunpoint” by a group of men in South Africa.
Church Addresses Questions Regarding Missionary Work
In a subsequent post on Saturday, the Fellowship Baptist Church addressed growing inquiries, including what it termed “malicious and hateful” messages, regarding their missionary deployments. “It is this — because God did and He told us to,” the church stated, defending their commitment to missionary work in regions like South Africa despite the inherent risks.